Tate County Disaster Risk
Tate County, Mississippi
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
41th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 82 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
27th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Tate County, Mississippi
Tate County's risk well below national average
Tate County's composite risk score of 41.22 earns a Very Low rating, comfortably below the national average. The county's tornado (74.94) and earthquake (86.86) risks are elevated, but overall exposure remains manageable and well-protected comparatively.
Tate County ranked safer than most Mississippi
At 41.22, Tate County ranks significantly below Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. This favorable standing reflects its inland location and relatively moderate exposure to multiple hazard types.
Tate County safer than most surrounding areas
Tate County's 41.22 score sits between Tunica County (36.26)—safer—and Tippah County (43.80)—slightly riskier. The county offers better protection than riskier Sunflower County (69.62) to the south.
Tornado and earthquake risks lead exposure
Tate County residents face significant earthquake risk (86.86) and notable tornado exposure (74.94) as the county's primary hazard concerns. Flood and wildfire risks remain moderate (26.53 and 58.87 respectively), creating a balanced but manageable threat profile.
Standard coverage with earthquake consideration
Homeowners should secure comprehensive wind and tornado coverage through standard policies, given the 74.94 tornado risk score. Adding earthquake insurance is recommended due to elevated seismic exposure (86.86), particularly for newer construction in earthquake-sensitive zones.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Tate County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Tate County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Tate County ranks at the 41th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 41th percentile, Tate County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Tate County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (59th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile), flood (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 87th percentile nationally, Tate County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Alongside earthquake exposure, Tate County's tornado risk at the 75th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Earthquake insurance in Tate County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 9.7 points below the Mississippi state average, Tate County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Tate County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Tate County, MS?
What types of natural hazards affect Tate County?
How does Tate County risk compare to the Mississippi average?
Is Tate County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Tate County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.